Meet Ana Banda | Realtor, Writer, Traveler, Women Empowerment

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Banda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, what inspires you?
I am resilient and therefore I am inspired by people who are resilient! I love writing and reading about other’s stories and triumphs! We all have our story and it is important to share it. This is precisely why I truly appreciate the opportunity to write for two publications in San Antonio, Street Talk Magazine with Jaime Vidal and Live from the Southside with April Monterrosa. Both publications have allowed me to expand my reach in highlighting other’s in the community. I am inspired by the underdog, the person who created themselves through adversity. I am constantly looking for these individuals in my community. Listening to their journey, inspires me to reach for more! Some of these situations are meant to break a person and yet these same individuals rise up and choose to face their challenges and rebuild themselves. There is no time for victim mentality, therefore these stories help remind us to keep moving forward despite adversity and setbacks.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2001, when I was just 25 years of age, I purchased my first home. I was so proud of myself, but interestingly my boss at the time was not. Instead of congratulating me, my boss at the time actually told me that I was just a woman, and a Mexican-woman at that, so what made me think that I could afford a home? I could have fallen apart, but my parents always instilled in me that I can do anything and to never say that I can’t do it. Fast forward to today, I am a Realtor and with this experience, I am excited to be part of the journey for anyone looking for that same American dream. I proudly speak Spanish and will go above and beyond to see that my clients are on the right path to home ownership. I have since paid off that home and use it as passive income. I am on my own journey to purchase more property and my goal is to leave a legacy for my son and grandson, Lorenzo.
I am very understanding and extra excited for first time home buyers. It takes me back to my early years as a young single mother who just wanted some stability for my son. Ultimately, I want to remind others that there is always a way to home ownership! We are in America and that is already a head start!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I enjoy live music and beautiful views. I would definitely make a stop at the Moon’s Daughter’s downtown for the views and a cocktail. We could make an evening on the riverwalk and board the riverwalk barge for dinner or head to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We could enjoy a dinner or cocktail at our lovely Tower of the America’s Chart House and enjoy the San Antonio views. I really enjoy live music and would find the best live music for that evening. I do not mind making a drive out to the hill country and enjoy a brew and live music or karaoke at Bandera Brewery. Perhaps a quick drive to Free Roam Brewing Company with a great barbecue spot like Black Board Bar B Q in Boerne, Texas. San Antonio boasts some great trails for hiking or walking. For my active guests, I would invite my guests out to Frederich Wilderness Park on a Saturday morning for a morning hike with great views. Lastly, you can not come to my city and not visit Mi Tierra Restaurant. It boasts great drinks and mariachi or trio live music on most nights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Primeramente, darle gracias a Dios! Y a mis padres, Jose y Teresa Banda. Mis papas siempre me dicen “tu puedes, nunca digas que tu no puedes!” I have to thank my son, Christian and my boyfriend John for always reminding me to do all things in faith! My mentors in the real estate business have been Tam Phan and Andrew Morin. They have stepped in and encouraged me to keep pushing forward to success.
I’d like to thank Jaime Vidal with Street Talk Magazine for the opportunity to contribute to his publication.
A special thanks to April Monterrosa, who not only gives me the opportunity to contribute to her publication, but has taken the time to encourage my personal growth.

And to each person on my social media platforms who always applaud my WINS! This one’s for YOU! I am Blessed!

Website: www.anabanda.exprealty.com

Instagram: theanabanda

Linkedin: Ana Banda

Twitter: TheAnaBanda

Facebook: Ana Banda

Other: Facebook: Ana Banda, Realtor at EXP Realty

Image Credits
two photos included were taken by photographer, Mariaelena Arocha Photography labeled on photo